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Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has outlined the state of Kenya’s healthcare sector and the legislative path toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC), revealing that more than 29 million Kenyans have registered with the Social Health Authority (SHA).
Duale made the presentation at the 2026 National Assembly Legislative Retreat, chaired by Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, where he briefed MPs on progress being made under the Ministry of Health’s reform agenda.
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He said UHC implementation is being guided by five key pillars, with notable gains already recorded. Under SHA, Duale reported that collections have reached Sh130.4 billion, while Sh93.4 billion has so far been paid out since the programme’s rollout.
To improve access to publicly funded primary healthcare, the ministry is rolling out the Green Label Service Charter in both public and private health facilities across all 47 counties.
On digital health, Duale noted major strides, saying 10,277 health facilities have been integrated into national digital health systems, with 30,087 devices deployed countrywide. This, he said, allows real-time reporting even from remote facilities and enhances transparency, accountability, and data-driven decision-making.
He reaffirmed the importance of the health workforce in delivering UHC, highlighting the work of 107,000 Community Health Promoters (CHPs). Duale added that UHC staff have been earning Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC)–approved pay since September 2025, describing it as a major step toward workforce stability.
In supply chain reforms, the CS said the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) has improved last-mile delivery, achieving a 91 per cent fill rate. He also pointed to progress under the National Equipment Support Project (NESP), which is equipping county hospitals with modern medical equipment.
Contracts worth Sh6.18 billion have been signed to boost access to specialised services at the county level.
On maternal and newborn health, Duale highlighted efforts under the Every Woman, Every Newborn Everywhere (EWENE) programme and the Rapid Results Initiative (RRI), focusing on 26 priority counties. These initiatives aim to strengthen emergency obstetric care and blood services.
“No mother should lose her life while giving life,” Duale said.
He also noted Kenya’s growing role in global health security through the Kenya National Public Health Institute (KNPHI), citing expanded laboratory capacity and Emergency Operations Centres to strengthen early detection and response to disease outbreaks and pandemics.
Duale urged MPs to treat health as a whole-of-government priority, calling for stronger coordination across ministries. He further said the ministry is accelerating the enactment of the Quality Healthcare and Patient Safety Bill, 2025, which seeks to guarantee safe and high-quality healthcare for all Kenyans under SHA.
In addition, the government plans to review and harmonise existing health laws to ensure they align with the Constitution and support effective implementation across the sector.
The retreat was attended by senior health officials, including Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni, Director General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth, SHA CEO Dr Mercy Mwangangi, and National Assembly Health Committee chair Dr James Nyikal.
